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Association of

Washington

Geographers

Spring Meeting, May 31 – June 1, 2019

Dean Hall, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA

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The Association of Washington Geographers Spring Meeting 2019

Friday, May 31

12:30 PM Columbia Plateau Field trip departs from CWU, south end of parking lot O-5

near Dean Hall. Field Trip destinations include Wild Horse Wind Farm,

Frenchman Coulee, and Columbia Basin Irrigation Project. Returns to campus

by 5:30 pm.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Humanitarian Map-a-Thon, Dean 206

6:00 PM Meet at Cornerstone Pie, 307 E. 5th Avenue, Ellensburg for an AWG Get-

Together

Saturday, June 1

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Registration, coffee, and snacks, Dean Hall 3rd Floor Atrium

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Paper presentations session, Dean Hall 102 and 112

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Poster session I, Dean Hall 3rd Floor Atrium

12:30 noon – 1:40 PM Lunch Break

1:40 PM – 2:40 PM Poster session II, Dean Hall 3rd Floor Atrium

2:40 PM – 3:00 PM Coffee and snack break

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Jack Nisbet, "I Can Hardly Sit Down to Write": Coming to Grips with the

Geography of the Columbia Plateau", Dean Hall 106

We gratefully acknowledge the support of Tim Englund, Dean, College of the Sciences in making this

meeting possible. We also thank Monica Reece-Bruya, secretary senior in the CWU Department of

Geography, for her help with every aspect of the meeting. Special thanks as well to Karl Lillquist,

Jennifer Lipton, Dannica Price, Sterling Quinn, Quinn Vickers, and Megan Walsh.

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FRIDAY, MAY 31ST

Field Trip to the Columbia Plateau, 12:30 PM

Departing at 12:30 pm, Karl Lillquist and Megan Walsh from the CWU Department of Geography will

lead a field trip to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, Wild Horse Wind Farm, Frenchman Coulee, and

– time permitting – the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project. This field trip will return to campus by 5:30

pm. The field trip is free but you must have your own transportation. If that is a problem, please contact

John Bowen (bowenjo@cwu.edu) for help in arranging a ride. Please dress appropriately for light hiking

and for sunny, warm weather.

The field trip will depart from Dean Hall. Meet at the small parking lot just to the west of the building,

labeled L-8 on the campus map (http://www.cwu.edu/facility/campus-map).

Humanitarian Map-a-Thon, Friday, May 31st, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Visit the CWU GIS Lab, Dean Hall 206, to enjoy free snacks while helping to map roads, structures, and

other features in developing countries. Under the guidance of Sterling Quinn (CWU Department of

Geography) and the CWU Geography Club, you will improve OpenStreetMap, which is a free and open

online database that is very user-friendly and easily learned. The idea of the Humanitarian Map-a-Thon

started after an earthquake in Haiti in 2010 when rescuers found that they could not get aid to people

quickly because there were no suitable electronic maps available. Now, volunteers are constantly

tracing satellite images to record undermapped areas in Open StreetMap. You can help by dropping by

the GIS Lab for as long or as short as you like.

AWG Get-Together - Friday, May 31st, 6:00 pm Cornerstone Pie

307 E. 5th Avenue, Ellensburg

Participants are invited to meet at Cornerstone Pie, one of the most highly rated restaurants in

Ellensburg. Cornerstone is famous for its fire-roasted pizza but also offers a wide menu of food and

beverage options: http://www.cornerstonepie.com/. We have reserved space for 30 people and look

forward to meeting you there!

SATURDAY, JUNE 1st

Paper Session 1: Dean Hall 102; 9:30-11:30 (Session chair, Sterling Quinn)

9:30 – 9:50 Racquel West (racqwest@uw.edu), University of Washington Seattle. A ‘Nurse Log’: How the Suquamish museum fosters hybrid landscapes.

9:50 – 10:10 Carly Baker (carly182@uw.edu), University of Washington Seattle. Relational geographies of One Health.

10:10 – 10:30 James Alexander (jalexa06@uw.edu), University of Washington Seattle. Exceptionally normal: How I placed my family history.

10:30 – 10:50 Julian Barr (jubarr@uw.edu), University of Washington Seattle. “There are different ways of being strong”: Steven Universe and developing a caring masculinity.

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10:50 – 11:10 Theodore Davenport (tsdav@uw.edu), University of Washington. Vegan Bros: Hybrid masculinities and vegan activism in digital spaces.

11:10 – 11:30 Sterling Quinn (sterling.quinn@cwu.edu), Central Washington University and Luis Alvarez León (Luis.F.Alvarez.Leon@dartmouth.edu), Dartmouth College. When the Google car stops and turns around: Interpreting the geographies of street-level imagery.

Paper Session 2: Dean Hall 112; 9:30-11:30 (Session chair, John Bowen)

9:30 – 9:50 Ryan Hampton (Ryan.Hampton@cwu.edu), Central Washington University. What can we learn from windblown snow? A preliminary survey of windblown snow bedforms, their distributions, and further research in Tronsen Basin, Wenatchee Range, Washington.

9:50 – 10:10 Sean Harding (seanh27@uw.edu), University of Washington Seattle. Back to Olympia: Spatial observations and experiences while reporting from the state legislative session.

10:10 – 10:30 Nina Kerr (ninak83@uw.edu), University of Washington, Tacoma. Uneven recovery patterns: Home value trajectories in Las Vegas before and after the housing crisis.

10:30 – 10:50 Liam Duke (dukel@wwu.edu), Western Washington University; Cole Russom (russomc@wwu.edu), Western Washington University), Olivia Stricklin (stricko@wwu.edu), Western Washington University; Jillian Trinkaus (jshellen@wwu.edu), Western Washington University), Patrick Buckley (patrick@wwu.edu ), Western Washington University; and Paul Stangl (paul.stangl@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Micro-Mobility Commuting Patterns: Longitudinal Study at Western Washington University – baseline data collection phase.

10:50 – 11:10 Emma Cumpton (cumptone@cwu.edu), Central Washington University. Fossil fuels and sovereignty.

11:10 – 11:30 Alicia De Jong (aadejong@uw.edu), University of Washington-Tacoma. Landscape of geography in US higher education.

Poster Session 1: Physical Geography; 11:30 – 12:30; Dean Hall 3rd Floor Atrium

Sydney Andersen (ander647@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Humpback whales. Teresa Brockmier (brockmt@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Current and historical

biogeography of Artemisia Tridentata. Angus Brookes (brookesa@cwu.edu), Central Washington University. Modeling the current and future

extent of permafrost in the Cascade Mountains, Washington. Ash Cameron (cameroa5@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi. Hannah Drummond (drummoh@wwu.edu), Western Washington University and Aquila Flower

(flowera3@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Automated beach feature delineation from high-resolution digital elevation models.

Liam Duke (dukel@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Genus Opuntia: Evolution, distribution and future prospects.

Britta Fast (fastb@wwu.edu), Western Washington University and Aquila Flower (Aquila.Flower@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. High-resolution vegetation mapping and monitoring with sUAV’s.

Joaquin Kinyon (quincho97@gmail.com), Western Washington University and Aquila Flower (Aquila.Flower@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Acer Macrophyllum research project.

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Hannah LaGassey (lagassh@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Finding hydrologically teleconnected sites with a network of tree ring chronologies.

Eva Ludwig (ludwige2@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Biogeography of North American brown bears (Ursus Arctos).

Emily McGinty (ermcginty@gmail.com), Western Washington University. Resolution matters: The effect of raster resolution on hydrological modeling.

Roxanne Medina (roxanne.x.medina@gmail.com), Western Washington University. Biogeography of Abies lasiocarpa (Subalpine fir): Past, present, and its future with climate change.

Gabriella Penfield (Gaby.penfield@gmail.com), Western Washington University. Biogeography of the western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis).

Charlie Ronan (ronanc@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Claytonia Sibirica. Catherine Somerville (somervc@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Biogeography of the three-

spined stickleback. Abigail Thomas (arthomas406@gmail.com), Western Washington University. The North American pika

(Ochotona daurica) and its geographic shift with changing climates. Tori Wood (toribwood16@gmail.com), Western Washington University. Biogeography of Larix

occidentalis. Poster Session 2: Human Geography; 1:40 – 2:40; Dean Hall 3rd Floor Atrium Jordan Benz (jordanraymondbenz@gmail.com), Western Washington University and Maddi Brown

(maddibrown32@gmail.com), Western Washington University. Hanshin-Awaji Daishinesai: “Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake disaster”.

Jason Bradshaw (jshawpod@gmail.com), Central Washington University. Web map of Saratoga campaign.

Chloe Brush (brushc2@wwu.edu), Western Washington University; Ashley Meyers (meyersa3@wwu.edu), Western Washington University; and Haley Winter (winterh3@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. The anti-dam movement in Japan.

MengYang Chen (MengYang.Chen@cwu.edu), Central Washington University. Air quality improvement in the Greater Taipei Area, Taiwan.

Elizabeth Clark (clarke24@wwu.edu), Western Washington University; Anna Hoekman (hoekmaa@wwu.edu), Western Washington University; and Gina Heuscher (heuschg@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Historical tension and persecution of Uighurs in China.

Mohannad Dahlawi (Mohannad.Dahlawi@cwu.edu), Central Washington University. Circle pivot irrigation agriculture and urban development change in Al-Kharj and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Sean Fitzpatrick (fitzpas6@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Honey bee immunodeficiency and colony collapse disorder.

Sarah Hibdon (Sarah.Hibdon@cwu.edu), Central Washington University. 2018-2019 geographic information systems (GIS) job market.

Jaime Liljegren (Jaime.liljegren@cwu.edu), Central Washington University and Anthony Gabriel (gabriela@cwu.edu), Central Washington University. Suction dredge mining impacts on Pacific lamprey populations and habitat in Washington State: A case study of the Entiat River.

Greta Lozada (lozadag@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. The Sendtennials. Simon Ray-Cutter (raycuts@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Grey wolves (Canis Lupus):

History, ecology, and anthropogenic effects. Nathan Roueche (rouechn@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Two decades of Western spruce

budworm outbreaks in the Pacific Northwest.

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Rachel Saunders (rs1@uw.edu), University of Washington Tacoma; Nina Kerr (ninak83@uw.edu), University of Washington Tacoma; Alicia De Jong (aadejong@uw.edu), University of Washington Tacoma; and Greg Mireles, University of Washington Tacoma. The Masters map.

Stephen G. Tsikalas (stsikalas@ewu.edu), Eastern Washington University; Najeda L. Patolo (npatolo@ewu.edu), Eastern Washington University; and Olivia Wiebe (oliviawiebe@eagles.ewu.edu), Eastern Washington University. Wildfire risk and vulnerability in Spokane County, Washington.

Harrison Winkel (winkelh@wwu.edu), Western Washington University. Will maple syrup disappear? A look at Acer saccharum Marshall.

Special Lecture by Jack Nisbet, Saturday, June 1st, 3:00 pm, Dean Hall 106

“I Can Hardly Sit Down to Write:” Imagining the Geography of the Columbia Plateau In the wake of Lewis and Clark’s brief visit to the Columbia River drainage, it took a wide range of approaches to flesh out a portrait of the region’s geography. This slide presentation will focus on how fur agent David Thompson, horticultural collector David Douglas, and prospector John Leiberg tapped into long-held local knowledge to make their own touchstone contributions. About Jack Nisbet: Spokane-based author Jack Nisbet has written award-winning biographies of fur agent David Thompson (Sources of the River) and plant collector David Douglas (The Collector), as well as several collections of essays that explore the human and natural history of the greater Northwest. Nisbet’s latest book, The Dreamer and the Doctor, traces the unlikely adventures of John and Carrie Leiberg from their 1885 Idaho homestead through some of the knottiest issues of the American West, both then and now. For more information visit www.jacknisbet.com.

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AWG Spring Meeting 2019 Abstracts

James Alexander (jalexa06@uw.edu), University of Washington Seattle Exceptionally normal: How I placed my family history [Paper] The story of Archer Alexander is a book written about a slave that was owned by the author, William Greenleaf Eliot. Recently the story has become more important as the accompanying statue, the Emancipation Memorial, in Washington DC has come under threat of being removed due to its unflattering depiction of a slave being freed by President Lincoln. Understanding the value of the statue as an artifact is just as important as understanding the message it sends. My first aim is to talk about the story of Archer Alexander and how it falsely represents Archer as a larger than life superhero. His exploits were publicized in order to ensure that the book would be published. The separation of Archer from the story written about him will allow for the proper recounting of history. My second aim is to discuss my own ancestry as it relates to linking to Archer. Using the resources of The University of Washington and my own family artifacts allowed me to build a rich database of personal history. Lastly, I want to highlight the tools I used and provide some analysis as to why I was ultimately unsuccessful in identifying my own family members but could still use a greater more general narrative to represent my ancestor’s geography. Sydney Andersen (ander647@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Humpback whales [Poster] The taxon I am doing my research poster on is Humpback whales, and their specific name is megaptera novaeangliae, which means big wing new Englander. They are found in almost every ocean, besides very high latitudes in the Artic, other than that they are mostly continuous (Mann et al, 2000). They are a migratory species, such as they feed in high-latitudes in the summer and mate/birth in tropical waters in the winter (NOAA). Historically, humpback whales evolved from hippos, which are their closest relative (Understanding Evolution). As well as evolved from Pakiecetus, a land animals that walks on all fours, but they have the same skull structure of a whale (Understanding Evolution). As well as Ambuocetus, which is more aquatic and can live in both freshwater and salt water, and has the first evolution of the blowhole (Understanding Evolution). Through the ice ages, there is research to date barnacles that go back millions of years ago in fossil record (Brannen, 2016). These barnacles show the migration of humpbacks due to where their prey lived (Brannen, 2016). As ocean temperature is rising due to climate change, the whales change their behaviors depending on how their prey acts; they also have a variety of feeding mechanisms (Hain et al, 1982). There are also biotic controls on humpbacks, such as their own predators like killer whales, really big sharks, and humans (Roman et al., 2014). There are future concerns for humpback whales, such as climate change could effect changes in abundance of species, distributions, timing and range of migrations, community structure, prey abundance and distributions, changes in trophic relationships, reproductive success and, ultimately, survival (Simmons & Elliot, 2009). There are threats toward them such as vessel strikes, entanglement, vessel based harassment, noise pollution, and habitat impacts (NOAA). In spite of the threats, there are conservation efforts underway such as the International Whaling Commissions and having Protected Status from NOAA. Carly Baker (carly182@uw.edu), University of Washington Seattle Relational geographies of One Health [Paper] One Health is an interdisciplinary collaboration that focuses on animal, human, and environmental health. Despite an emphasis on global health, it lacks research through cultural and socio-economic contexts, and also concrete ways to achieve health, a gap that has been bridged with the book Beyond One Health. I perform a textual analysis of the recently published book through the lens of critical health and feminist geographies to assert that it does not interrogate the power relations that produce

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injustices and unequal health outcomes. The text is heavily based in a masculine de-populated narrative that prioritizes Western science and surveillance. The importance of this disruption in the hegemonic discourse is witnessed, as current solutions in health have been prone to failure, evidenced in locations such as Flint, MI. I argue that One Health will benefit from acknowledging the social sciences and embodied experiences of health to achieve equitable spaces of health. Julian Barr (jubarr@uw.edu), University of Washington Seattle “There are different ways of being strong”: Steven Universe and developing a caring masculinity [Paper] Steven Universe has garnered widespread attention from audiences in the U.S., with various themes the show explores resonating with feminist, queer, and trans audience members. Debuting in 2013, Steven Universe entered the realm of the superhero genre as a coming-of-age tale about a thirteen-year old boy and his adventures with the Crystal Gems, a group of femme-identifying extraterrestrial rebels protecting planet Earth from the leaders of their planet Homeworld. Steven’s extraterrestrial mother, Rose Quartz, led the rebellion at its inception but sacrificed her form to create Steven with her human partner Greg Universe. Under the care of the Crystal Gems and Greg, Steven develops throughout the show to protect his friends and family in Beach City, where they live. Steven’s growth offers a counter-narrative to traditional superhero depictions of masculinity often tailored toward children in popular culture. Rather than have violence, autonomy, and emotional disengagement as cornerstones, Steven’s masculinity is formed through caring and supporting his friends in and outside of battle. Drawing on geographic concepts of space and the body and feminist theories of care, this paper argues that Steven Universe offers an alternative understanding of masculinity that is achieved by how he defines his heroics and interacts with friends and foes. Through a discourse analysis of select Steven Universe episodes, this paper will demonstrate how Steven Universe offers a queer representation of masculinity that speaks back to communities yearning for a superhero that does not fit the traditional hero model. Jordan Benz (jordanraymondbenz@gmail.com), Western Washington University and Maddi Brown (maddibrown32@gmail.com), Western Washington University Hanshin-Awaji Daishinesai: “Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake disaster” This poster represents an accumulation of research pertaining to the Great Hanshin- Awaji earthquake in the surrounding region of Kobe, Japan. The research will be about the economic, industrial and urban effects and impacts from the earthquake and the process of Japan’s recovery responses and actions. Additionally, factual information about the psychical geography of the earthquake, Kobe region, and the country Japan. The purpose is to be informed and educated about recovery from a large-scale natural disaster and mitigation techniques to limit damages from future hazards. Additional research will be about the lessons learned from the Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake and the influence it has on Japan’s mitigation technology. The study is focused on The Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake in 1995 because it is the second most populated region in Japan. The economy post-Hanshin-Awaji earthquake was collapsed due to the amount of damage done to the city. Not even 15 months later and Kobe had redeveloped an economy based on Schumpeterian theory of creative destruction and with the help of entrepreneurs and investments. As a result of 90% of deaths being attributed to falling structures, there were major adjustments made Japan's building codes, regulations and ground assessments were substantially refined. The Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake was apocalyptic, it killed and injured over 30 thousand people and others were displaced in poverty. Japan responded by modifying seismic observation devices and digital geographic mapping to limit future hazards. The Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake is remembered for being highly destructive but lessons were learned from this devastating tragedy.

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Jason Bradshaw (jshawpod@gmail.com), Central Washington University Web map of Saratoga campaign [Poster] The purpose of this project was to create a web map that would share the story of this famous revolutionary war event in a new way. The map shows upper New York state and Vermont in colonial times. The routes of the different military commanders can be seen and the locations of battles are marked. An informative panel gives information on key areas of the campaign. There are buttons to help guide the user through the events of the campaign in chronological order. This project was completed using the ArcGIS API for javascript as a framework. It aims to teach about these famous battles of revolution in a new and intriguing way. Teresa Brockmier (brockmt@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Current and historical biogeography of Artemisia Tridentata [Poster] Big Sagebrush, or Artemisia Tridentata, covers more than 100,000 square miles of western North America today, and is found in small pockets of other arid regions around the world, including Central America and northwestern Europe. The various subspecies of Artemisia Tridentata are adapted to many elevation, temperature, and precipitation conditions, but as a whole, sagebrush prefers arid climates that are warm but not excessively hot, and, in general, areas of higher elevation. It first evolved in Asia, coming to the Americas during the Pleistocene era less than 2.5 million years ago, and spread quickly as the formation of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountains created increasingly arid conditions in the interior of the continent. The small, easily dispersed seeds of Artemisia Tridentata promote rapid evolution and adaptive radiation of the species, allowing it to fill wide expanses of highly variable habitats. Today, as the climate changes, Artemisia Tridentata is much better adapted to the altering conditions, especially increasing aridity, than many of its competitors, primarily because of its deep roots and high capacity for holding water. This is increasing the range and abundance of sagebrush, particularly at higher elevations in the western North American continent, but globally as well, a pattern that has been traced in similar times of global climate change of the past. This may cause other plant species of steppe ecosystems to be outcompeted, but may help to increase the populations of other species, like the pygmy rabbit, which depends heavily on Artemisia Tridentata for its habitat, and is currently endangered. Angus Brookes (brookesa@cwu.edu), Central Washington University Modeling the current and future extent of permafrost in the Cascade Mountains, Washington [Poster] Much of Washington State’s dry-season water supply is produced by melting snowpack, glaciers, and permafrost. Of these, permafrost is the least understood in our region both in terms of importance and geographical distribution, and – like all other water sources here in Washington – it may be threatened by a changing climate. Unlike snowpack or glaciers, permafrost is not clearly visible, so its extent must be modeled. The intention of this work is to delineate areas of the Washington Cascades which may contain permafrost at present, as well as to show what changes in that extent may occur given the International Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) predictions of possible future climate regimes. A database of rock glaciers (indicating permafrost presence or absence) was used to perform a logistic regression, determining which variables affect permafrost in a statistically significant manner and through what relationship. The resultant equation was applied using both incoming solar radiation and mean annual air temperature to map the possible extent of permafrost across the state. This model predicted 2,113.8 km2 suitable for permafrost in the study area today, with future IPCC predictions suggesting that Washington’s climate would only support an area of only 1,113.2 km2 to as little as 175.0 km2 in the year 2100. While these numbers are hardly concrete, the pattern is striking and suggests and urgent need for further study of permafrost in the Pacific Northwest.

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Chloe Brush (brushc2@wwu.edu), Western Washington University; Ashley Meyers (meyersa3@wwu.edu), Western Washington University; and Haley Winter (winterh3@wwu.edu), Western Washington University The anti-dam movement in Japan [Poster] This research study examines and compares a number of anti-dam movements in Japan throughout the last century. Japan has not been as forthcoming as Western countries in environmental issues, but the country has chosen to take a more critical and cautious approach on the matter. Buddhist influences have taken a large role in shifting the public’s perspective on environmental restoration and, concurrently, how effective the removal movements have been. Comparable to the efforts in the United States, the indigenous people of Japan, the Ainu, have taken a firm stance against dams. The Japanese people view nature and maintaining its quality in a unique way, another key factor in this issue. Jobs that are important to local economies also have a huge effect. Fishing communities--one of Japan’s largest Industries -- take a hard hit when dams are installed, however, dams also provide many jobs for the area, making the issue much more complicated. Despite forces opposing dam construction, there has been little success in changing Japanese policy, which is still generally pro-dam. Ash Cameron (cameroa5@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi [Poster] Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi or commonly known as westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) is one of various subspecies of cutthroat trout native to Washington state, Idaho and Montana. Phylogenetically, the westslope cutthroat trout is closest to the coastal cutthroat trout. The coastal cutthroat trout is most closely related to both of their common ancestor. Westslope cutthroat trout are non-andramonous species; having both fluvial and lacustrine forms. Inhabiting clear streams and lakes from glaciation, WCT have a maximum threshold of approximately 21 degrees Celsius and require particular streambeds of gravel for nesting during spring spawning. Westslope cutthroat trout are important indicator species for pristine water quality. However, current invasive species introduced into WCT habitat for sport fishing such as eastern brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout are causing severe competition of resources. In addition, human interface such as logging and dam construction are disrupting WCT habitat. Westslope cutthroat trout populations have a very low tolerance for environmental disturbances and as a result, populations are declining dramatically. Now considered a threatened species, their hope for survival remains unclear. Amongst many efforts by government agencies and other affiliated organizations dedicated to support the growth of WCT populations, future climate projects only show the continued declination of the species’ survival (Wenger et. al, 2011). MengYang Chen (MengYang.Chen@cwu.edu), Central Washington University Air quality improvement in the Greater Taipei Area, Taiwan [Poster] Greater Taipei, a major metropolitan area in northern Taiwan, has a serious air pollution problem. The main causes are extensive local traffic exhaust and transboundary pollutants moved by the northeast monsoon from China in winter. In order to improve air quality, the Taipei City Government launched an air quality improvement program in 2015. Has this program made a difference? This research examined data from 14 air monitoring stations of the Environmental Protection Agency of Taiwan in the Greater Taipei area to assess: 1) differences in air quality between winter and other seasons and 2) the effectiveness of the Taipei City Government’s air improvement program so far. Finally, I briefly discuss the feasibility of applying the air improvement program in other counties in Taiwan. Elizabeth Clark (clarke24@wwu.edu), Western Washington University; Anna Hoekman (hoekmaa@wwu.edu), Western Washington University; and Gina Heuscher (heuschg@wwu.edu), Western Washington University

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Historical tension and persecution of Uighurs in China [Poster] The Xinxiang province, located in the northwest corner of China, has the largest population of the Uighur ethnic group in the country. The region has had a contentious relationship with the Chinese heartland, gaining and losing independence throughout history. It is important to look to this past because it is impossible to understand the current relationship between the Uighurs and the Chinese government without understanding the historical context. China has continuously worked to suppress and integrate the Uighur population in Xinxiang. The most current iteration of these efforts has manifested in connection to the global war on terror. They have attempted to frame Uighurs as religious extremists in order to justify their oppression and imprisonment of the ethnic group. The Chinese government has used various methods to suppress the Uighur population, including erasing the Uighur identity and regulating cultural and religious practices. While there is extensive historical information and perspectives on the Uighur’s and their relationship with China, current information is sparse and heavily restricted by the Chinese government. Emma Cumpton (cumptone@cwu.edu), Central Washington University Fossil fuels and sovereignty [Paper] History has begun to regard the 20th century as the age of oil, the time when fossil fuels became an inextricable part of both everyday mundanities and international scale conflict. Scholars have traced the history of fossil fuels, and how politics, culture and economics have created this dependence. More recently, social scientists have begun to explore how the material qualities of fossil fuels make them a valuable tool in supporting a particular ideology - for example, consumerism in the United States or socialist revolutions in Latin America. This paper expands upon this research by showing that fossil fuels are tied not to a specific place, culture or political agenda, but to a much older and more primal concept: sovereignty. In this paper, I present a analysis of the 19th and 20th century histories of the United States, China and Russia. I provide a framework for the concept of sovereignty, and how historical events and decisions around fossil fuels fit into a broader pursuit of stability and self determination. Through these case studies, I argue that the pursuit of fossil fuels belongs not to the East or West, to capitalism or communism, but instead to any nation desiring strength on the world stage. Mohannad Dahlawi (Mohannad.Dahlawi@cwu.edu), Central Washington University Circle Pivot Irrigation Agriculture and Urban Development Change in Al-Kharj and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [Poster] More than 80 percent of the water used in Saudi Arabia goes toward agriculture. At the same time, demand for food continues to grow. For that reason, food security has been a hot topic that the Saudi government tries to address. Saudi Arabia started looking locally to develop its own agricultural infrastructure to meet local needs. However, water resources for agriculture are scarce and require the total dependence on ground water and aquifers, that are considered nonrenewable water resources. The lack of available water has forced the government to invest in and seek agricultural imports from countries that have high agriculture potential but lack the capital to bear the costs of developing an agricultural industry like Sudan, Ethiopia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Mozambique and Indonesia. Industrial agricultural development in Saudi Arabia has required extensive planning and infrastructure. The green circles are pivot irrigation agricultural fields. They are considered to have a year-round growing season with crops rotated through the fields. Each field is irrigated with a center-pivot sprinkler system. Farmers have to depend on deep aquifers and pump water from up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) below the surface. However, in the past 30 years, agricultural development has shifted in certain areas to include more dairy farms to supply an increasing population demands for dairy products. This

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increased industrial agricultural development is a move toward improving food security and dependency on imported food products from their foreign investments. Theodore Davenport (tsdav@uw.edu), University of Washington Vegan Bros: Hybrid masculinities and vegan activism in digital spaces [Paper] This paper seeks to understand how male vegan activists engage with gender in digital spaces through the analytical lenses of hybrid masculinities. Previous work in ecofeminism has critically evaluated the historical construction of meat as masculine within the Western imagination. Furthermore, literature has shown how the modern mainstream vegan movement in the United States, which mainly consists of vegan advocacy organizations, cookbook authors, and YouTubers, problematically engages with gender and race in their outreach and political strategies. However, little work exists on how men who abstain from meat negotiate their gender identity with a “feminized” diet in digital spaces. This work seeks to fill this gap by conducting a discourse analysis of selected digital materials published by Vegan Bros, a brand created by two vegan brothers who are involved in the mainstream vegan movement. This paper finds that, while Vegan Bros borrow from femininity particularly in their desire to create “spaces of love” through veganism, the ways they engage with their viewers ultimately reinscribe white, hegemonic masculinities rather than subvert them. Alicia De Jong (aadejong@uw.edu), University of Washington-Tacoma Landscape of geography in US higher education [Paper] In recent years, “cartographers” and “specialists in geography” have often been cited as growing occupations in the United States. Responsively, geography departments in US higher education appeal to a perceived need for “geographic skills” in the American workforce—specifically for geographic information systems (GIS). Historic growth and decline of geography in American higher education has not, however, coincided with perceived workforce needs. This study examines data from academic institutions, geographic organizations, and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in order to depict the modern landscape of geography in US higher education in the context of its complex history. In doing so, it demonstrates an imbalance in the uses of the words “geography” and “GIS” and explores how the rise of GIS has affected the growth of US geography departments. Hannah Drummond (drummoh@wwu.edu), Western Washington University and Aquila Flower (flowera3@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Automated beach feature delineation from high-resolution digital elevation models [Poster] With the increasing frequency of destructive storm waves, coastal erosion processes are vitally important to understand for city planning in coastal communities. Shoreline erosion rates are often calculated by tracking the location of a bluff top and toe through time. This is most commonly done by hand-digitizing a line that delineates these features, however this method takes too much time for regional-scale studies and can be inconsistent and subjective. Previously proposed automated approaches have called upon highly technical programming knowledge and site-specific parameters. The research presented here compares the accuracy of delineating topographic features from a least cost path analysis, which requires experience with the ESRI ArcGIS tools and an available high-resolution digital elevation model. A section of coastline containing two different beach types along the south shore of Point Roberts, WA, was used to test the least cost path analysis method for delineating bluff and armor toe. The output was compared to a hand-digitized delineation by using distance between the two lines along cross-shore profiles. The automated method presented here was found to be accurate within 3 meters and is considered suitable to use for planning purposes but not analysis. The increased

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level of automation reduces subjectivity and creates the opportunity to study coastal erosion on a regional scale due to a reduction in analysis time. A least cost path analysis approach to delineating shoreline features offers a user-friendly alternative to hand-digitizing these features as a first step in tracking shoreline change. Liam Duke (dukel@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Genus Opuntia: Evolution, distribution and future prospects [Poster] The genus Opuntia, more commonly referred to as prickly pear, is a genus of cacti from the family Cactaceae. A notable member of this genus is the species Opuntia ficus-indica, also known as Indian fig opuntia or barbary fig. Members of this genus, and in particular this species, produce a fruit known in Spanish as tuna which have long been consumed by humans for their high concentration of vitamin C, and thus this crop has great commercial significance. The leaves or pads of Opuntia are also suitable for human consumption. Opuntia species are native to the Americas, where their range covers a majority of the arid regions of the southern and western United States, but also extends slightly beyond the Canadian border in places and throughout Central and South America. Opuntia most likely evolved in Mexico, and species like Opuntia ficus-indica emerged as a result of human domestication. They have been widely distributed across the globe by humans into areas well outside of their natural range including southern and northern Africa, Australia, southern Europe, and Hawaii. In regions where it is invasive, a common strategy to reduce its presence has been the introduction of the moth Cactoblastis cactorum, or the cactus moth, a species native to South America. Liam Duke (dukel@wwu.edu), Western Washington University; Cole Russom (russomc@wwu.edu), Western Washington University), Olivia Stricklin (stricko@wwu.edu), Western Washington University; Jillian Trinkaus (jshellen@wwu.edu), Western Washington University), Patrick Buckley (patrick@wwu.edu ), Western Washington University; and Paul Stangl (paul.stangl@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Micro-Mobility Commuting Patterns: Longitudinal Study at Western Washington University – baseline data collection phase [paper] The over-all purpose of this project is to promote alternative modes of commuting to/from and around the Western Washington University campus in Bellingham WA by micro-mobility users (MMUs) along with walkers and bus riders through “complete pathway” planning, a variation of “complete street” planning. MMUs, the area of this study’s focus, include small wheeled vehicles including bicycles, skateboards, “razor” style scooters, and wheelchairs both human powered and electric, but excludes larger vehicles such as traditional motor bikes, “vespa” style scooters, and motorcycles. As part of WWU’s commitment to sustainability, it is necessary to be pro-active in planning and sharing transportation infrastructure such as roads, walkways, paths, and parking to include all modes of movement and especially encourage formerly ignored or disenfranchised alternate modes such as MMUs. This paper reports on the creation and calculation of baseline data for MMU use at WWU, an area long neglected in campus planning. To gather the data, visual counts were performed at several screen-line locations in Spring 2019 at the main entry and exit points for the campus. The data is being used to establish a database for tracking the popularity of MMUs on campus over time, especially as scooter-sharing becomes commercially available in Bellingham next year. Future quarterly counts will allow for observation of long-term trends in levels of MMUs and assist campus planners in creating a long-term complete pathways blueprint for WWU. Britta Fast (fastb@wwu.edu), Western Washington University and Aquila Flower (Aquila.Flower@wwu.edu), Western Washington University High-resolution vegetation mapping and monitoring with sUAV’s [Poster]

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As the current effects of climate change progress, vegetation community structure and phenology will continue to be altered by both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Ecotonal areas are especially sensitive to these changes, as they are transition areas where plant communities are already at the edge of their range. Subalpine meadows are one such ecotonal area where plant community composition is currently shifting from low lying shrubs and grasses to coniferous forest. Therefore, a low-cost but high spatial and temporal resolution method of monitoring these plant communities is needed. Emerging technology and software programs enable researchers to perform experiments in novel ways. This study uses images captured by a pole-mounted camera and a new and exciting software workflow called Structure-from-Motion (SfM), to produce a high-quality 3D renderings of a subalpine meadow on the south side of Mt. Baker in the North Cascades. With these 3D models, we will be assessing conifer encroachment into the meadow. This proposed novel method provides a low-cost and high-quality way to collect valuable information needed for land use policy and conservation efforts, and has many applications across a variety of disciplines. Preservation and conservation of our natural resources will be essential as climate change, and anthropogenic disturbances continue. Sean Fitzpatrick (fitzpas6@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Honey bee immunodeficiency and colony collapse disorder [Poster] Honey bee colony populations have been in noticeable decline for the past 20 years, due to the recent phenomenon termed Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). CCD is deemed to have occurred when the adult worker bees abandon what would seem an otherwise healthy hive, replete with ample food stores, a queen, and numerous larval young with attendant nurse bees. Despite extensive research, consensus does not exist as to the underlying cause(s) of CCD. The cause may be a combination of factors resulting from agricultural and beekeeping practices. The implementation of monoculture farming methods which limit pollen source diversity and come with attendant inputs of fungicides and pesticides, beekeeper substitution of non-pollen generated food sources in winter such as high fructose corn syrup, and the resultant nutrition deficiencies of both practices may be immunocompromising honey bees, making them vulnerable to disease and parasites. Fungicides and pesticides are being found to have impacts beyond the specifically targeted species/order, with the dynamic relationship between species in ecosystems coming into focus. Weakened by malnutrition and pesticides/insecticides, honey bees are more susceptible to more traditional maladies such as the Varroa mite. Determining the cause of CCD and taking action to mitigate is important due to the integral position pollinators such as honey bees occupy in both human and ecological economies; found consensus will allow solutions to be implemented, for as long debate surrounding the underlying cause dominates CCD will likely get worse. Ryan Hampton (Ryan.Hampton@cwu.edu), Central Washington University What can we learn from windblown snow? A preliminary survey of windblown snow bedforms, their distributions, and further research in Tronsen Basin, Wenatchee Range, Washington [Paper] An estimated 11% of the seasonal snow accumulation in the Northern Hemisphere exhibits windblown snow bedforms (WBSBF). Despite their extent, there has been no comprehensive research on windblown snow in the Eastern Cascades. I plan to expand our knowledge of windblown snow bedforms including their controls, patterns and classifications in the Eastern Cascades, Tronsen Basin, but will also identify the possible water storage potential of these forms, which if managed, will help to increase and maintain spring snowmelt there. Preliminary research, conducted this spring, has shown that mountain snow bedforms vary greatly in size and shape due to the shape and complexity of terrain and vegetation. These forms take the shape of transverse, linear dunes and cornices. Snow bedforms are often made of multiple aeolian features. Preliminary mapping of the relationship between WBSBF and wind direction, has provided a glimpse into the complexities of mountain winds. The conclusions of this

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research will provide a strong foundation for further research into windblown snow bedforms and there more specific interactions with mountain environments. Sean Harding (seanh27@uw.edu), University of Washington Seattle Back to Olympia: Spatial observations and experiences while reporting from the state legislative session [Paper] In this presentation, I will discuss some of my spatial experiences and observations while working as an Olympia Bureau Reporter for the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association covering the state legislative session last winter. Topics covered include divisions in meanings and values between eastern and western Washington State, as highlighted by the 51st State Movement; how bodies are used to convey values and meanings; and how the built environments of the Capitol Campus reinforce values, meanings, and power relations. Sarah Hibdon (Sarah.Hibdon@cwu.edu), Central Washington University 2018-2019 geographic information systems (GIS) job market [Poster] There is an increasing need for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) professionals in the current workforce, but finding a job after graduation can be a daunting task. GIS jobs exist in a variety of fields such as urban planning, resource management, construction, engineering, geography, geology, farming, business, and marketing, so what are the overall current trends in GIS job requirements? The attributes of 1,000 GIS jobs were recorded between September 2018 and January 2019 from a variety of job posting websites. Major job titles were identified and additional attributes were compiled regarding preferred software experience, desired degree field, desired degree level, desired years of experience, and associated salary. Of the five job types, GIS Analyst (44%) and GIS Technician (30%) jobs were the most commonly-posted. The most desirable technical skills listed for all jobs include proficiency with ESRI products, database skills, and programming skills. Undergraduate degrees in Geography or GIS/Cartography and 1-4 years of experience were usually sufficient to meet the basic qualifications for all job types. Salaries varied between job types and ranged from roughly $20,000 to $140,000 annually. Trend results were compared to an initial study conducted in 2011 and determined that relative frequencies of GIS Analyst and GIS Manager jobs have remained stable between 2011 and 2019, but proportionally more GIS Technician jobs and less GIS Programmer jobs have become available. General desired qualifications have only shifted slightly between 2011 and 2019. Nina Kerr (ninak83@uw.edu), University of Washington, Tacoma Uneven recovery patterns: Home value trajectories in Las Vegas before and after the housing crisis [Paper] Using zip-code level data and cluster analysis, I identify 3 different types of markets in the Las Vegas Metropolitan areas based upon their volatility before, during, and after the housing crisis. I then do a multivariate analysis of demographic and housing characteristics to detect a predicative correlation with the identified market types. Although the project isn’t fully complete yet, this presentation will be showing some preliminary results and focusing on my methods and potential visualizations of my findings. Some of the predicted key findings of this analysis will show that zip codes of higher minority and lower-income populations had more volatility of housing prices before, during, and after the housing crisis and showed less recovery than middle-income, predominantly white neighborhoods. Some of the variables that are predicted to be negatively correlated with recovery rate include distance from city-center, household tenure, and income. The findings of this study suggest a wide-spread and long-lasting inequality in housing markets and uneven market recovery patterns. Understanding the complex relationships between poverty, race, and housing is integral to developing more equitable

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community investments and housing policy that would create more evenness in recovery if a housing market crash were to occur again. Joaquin Kinyon (quincho97@gmail.com), Western Washington University and Aquila Flower (Aquila.Flower@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Acer Macrophyllum research project [Poster] In my research project, I will be discussing the Big Leaf Maple, scientifically known as the Acer Macrophyllum. I will firstly introduce the species by describing its features, particular characteristics, and any other interesting attributes. I will then outline the species’ range and its ecological role within its community. This will include an in-depth discussion of the biotic and abiotic factors that support the species; with an emphasis on the temperature, precipitation, and elevation controls. The next section will describe its historical biogeography. I will explore the evolutionary history of the acer macrophyllum; including its ancestor species, migration patterns, and its response to ice ages. Lastly, I will discuss the environmental concerns regarding the species. How the species will react to climate change, invasive species, and human encroachment will be included in the final section. Hannah LaGassey (lagassh@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Finding hydrologically teleconnected sites with a network of tree ring chronologies [Poster] Instrumental streamflow records begin after the onset of human-induced climate change. We thus lack context for present and future hydrological conditions in the era of climate change. Dendrochronologists use the radial growth of trees as a proxy for instrumental records, allowing for the reconstruction of streamflow records prior to the start of existing records. Reconstruction models are improved by increasing the number of tree ring chronologies used as predictors in reconstruction models. I identified publicly available tree ring chronologies within 100km of the North Fork Nooksack watershed that correlate with August streamflow of the North Fork Nooksack River. These chronologies are of various species, most of which do not grow inside the watershed. Each species shows sensitivity to a unique combination of climate variables, helping to capture a wide range of annual and seasonal climate conditions in the North Cascades. The chronologies identified here will be used in reconstruction models of North Fork Nooksack August streamflow and Sholes Glacier mass balance. These multi-century hydrological records will provide context for present and future hydrological conditions in the North Cascades. Jaime Liljegren (Jaime.liljegren@cwu.edu), Central Washington University and Anthony Gabriel (gabriela@cwu.edu), Central Washington University Suction dredge mining impacts on Pacific lamprey populations and habitat in Washington State: A case study of the Entiat River [Poster] Suction dredge mining is a largely unregulated recreational activity in Washington State with potentially significant impacts to aquatic habitat. Although dredging has the potential to cause widespread ecological effects, only impacts to select species have been thoroughly assessed. Due to their reliance on freshwater habitat throughout multiple life stages, Pacific lamprey are significantly vulnerable to impacts from dredging practices. This report focuses on assessing the effects of dredging to lamprey habitat within state-owned aquatic lands of Washington. By conducting a controlled dredging experiment along the Entiat River and comparing alterations to water quality and stream morphology immediately following dredging as well as two months later, changes to habitat were quantified. When water quality was assessed, no significant impact to parameter levels were observed. Although changes to overall grainsize proportions were small, distributions showed observed coarsening of material directly at dredged sites, while increases of finer material were present downstream. Channel profiles showed significant reductions in material, as well as an absence of recovery two months following

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dredging. Artificially created tailings piles were observed to experience a 55.4% reduction in material volume two months later while holes experienced an 8.0% increase in continued erosion. Results can be related to habitat preferences of other aquatic species to determine ecosystem-wide impacts as well as providing necessary data to extrapolate impacts to similar systems throughout the state. Using these results, cumulative impacts were assessed spatially and temporally to be applied through future management decisions and to develop further recommendations for research. Greta Lozada (lozadag@wwu.edu), Western Washington University The Sendtennials [Poster] Biking is a popular activity that could be used to promote eco-tourism as a minimal footprint and human-powered method of traveling. There are few long-distance bike routes cleanly mapped out. The maps that do show extended routes often lack information about width of bike lanes or traffic conditions on the roads the routes follow. This information is important so cyclists can adequately consider overall safety, preparedness, and precaution during their bike ride. I am configuring a bike route that connects the 100 tallest mountain peaks of Colorado, referred to as the Centennials. This project involves collecting information in Colorado during summer 2019 to provide descriptive data for my maps. This mapped bike route will include climographs and descriptions of road conditions to help inform the cyclists of the road conditions ahead. The results will be used to create a print map and an interactive web map using ESRI Story Map. The map could be used as a public resource for anybody who likes nature, biking, camping, and mountains. It is something that people of diverse backgrounds can appreciate because it would provide direction for a low-cost, high-excitement adventure. Eva Ludwig (ludwige2@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Biogeography of North American brown bears (Ursus Arctos) [Poster] This poster will explore the general biogeography of the predator species Ursus Arctos, commonly known as the Brown Bear. There are six common subspecies of Ursus Arctos – one of which is commonly known in the United States as the Grizzly Bear (Ursus Arctos Horribilis). Brown Bear’s range typically spans three continents; North America, Europe, and Asia. Their ranges are very large. In the United States their populations once stretched from Northern Canada and Alaska down into the Southwest region of the US and even Mexico. The evolution of bear species is complex and sometimes debated, however it is thought to have began around 30 million years ago, in Asia from a species called Ursus Etruscus. They crossed the land bridge connecting Alaska and Russia approximately 100,000 years ago and began to disperse South. This poster will focus mainly on North American Brown Bears, which are the largest in the world. Most brown bear species reside in areas of scattered vegetation that are semi exposed. Tundra, plains, alpine, woodland and coastal regions. Brown Bears sit at the top of the food chain and are known as highly dangerous to humans and nearly all species they come in contact with. They are omnivorous and able to feed on a very wide range of organisms from berries, roots, and grasses to fish, insects, and mammals of different shapes and sizes. Brown Bears in North America have few competitors. North American Brown Bears are currently threatened in the contiguous United States. Emily McGinty (ermcginty@gmail.com) Western Washington University Resolution Matters: The Effect of Raster Resolution on Hydrological Modeling Remotely sensed digital elevation data can be utilized through geographic information science (GIS) techniques to model watershed and stream delineations. These techniques allow analysts to easily produce results that would otherwise require hours of intense field work, if possible at all. The accuracy of these watershed and stream models can be dependent on the resolution of the elevation data, and choosing an inappropriate resolution can result in further analyses producing inaccurate and/or

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misleading results. The purpose of my research is to quantify the differences between hydrological models, developed from elevation data at varying resolutions. I chose the Lake Whatcom watershed as my focus for this project, as it is a relevant location of concern, being both a developed watershed and the Bellingham water source. I collected digital elevation models (DEMs) at three foot (WADNR) and ten (USGS) and thirty meter (NASA) resolutions. I then ran a sequence of GIS tools off of each of the DEMs to produce three hydrological models, including stream networks and watershed delineations at the watershed, subwatershed, and catchment levels. My research visualizes the necessity of choosing a proper resolution based on the scale and purpose of the project. Roxanne Medina (roxanne.x.medina@gmail.com), Western Washington University Biogeography of Abies lasiocarpa (Subalpine fir): Past, present, and its future with climate change [Poster] Climatic variables such as temperature and precipitation play an important role in determining a species’ geographic distribution. Whether or not an area is suitable for a species depends on such climate variables as temperature and precipitation as well as the species’ adaptive capabilities to those variables. The Abies lasiocarpa (commonly known as the subalpine fir) is a coniferous tree native to northwestern North America. It prefers the relatively cooler and drier conditions of higher elevations and interior areas throughout the temperate rainforest biome of the region. Abies lasiocarpa dwells in high altitude subalpine zones often hugging the tree line, but can also be found near sea-level in river valley areas of cold air drainage. Although Abies lasiocarpa has a large distribution, its ecological niche is defined by abiotic, climate variables like average annual temperature, seasonal temperatures, and average annual precipitation, and snowpack. The purpose of this research project is to observe the historical biogeography of Abies lasiocarpa, describe its current ecological biogeography and present range, as well as model it’s future range against predicted suitability ranges based on variations in climate variables given projected climate scenarios. The hypothesis is that the suitability range for Abies lasiocarpa will decrease in some areas and increase in others as the climate continues to change and average annual and seasonal temperatures increase.

Gabriella Penfield (Gaby.penfield@gmail.com), Western Washington University Biogeography of the western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis) [Poster] The Western Bumble Bee, scientifically known as Bombus Occidentalis, was historically the most common species of bumblebee in The Northwest, and had one of the widest geographic ranges for bumble bees, stretching from Northern Alaska down to California (Hatfield, R., et al. 2015 ). This species resides in the shrublands and grasslands of North America. Previously, commercial use of the B. Occidentalis by humans occurred of greenhouse use and commercial pollination, but the decline of this species has halted this practice. This bumblebee species is extremely important for pollination of flowers and other plant species, such as alfalfa, avocado, apples, cherries, blackberries, and blueberry (Evans), but because of human-made threats such as climate change, plant and animal agriculture, residential development, invasive species, and other factors, the B. Occidentalis population has become threatened, with a decline of 40.32% of the population over the past decade. Recent conservation efforts include land and water management and protection, education. This species is listed as vulnerable but without further action, we may soon see the extinction of this species, which means we need to act immediately. Sterling Quinn (sterling.quinn@cwu.edu), Central Washington University and Luis Alvarez León (Luis.F.Alvarez.Leon@dartmouth.edu), Dartmouth College When the Google car stops and turns around: Interpreting the geographies of street-level imagery [Paper]

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Companies who deal in location-based services, such as Google, Microsoft, and Telenav, frequently incorporate street-level images into their products. Different companies collect imagery for different reasons; yet, each has their own unique geographies of coverage that match their business missions, resources, and data collection models. For example, some platforms pay drivers to collect the imagery in a systematic fashion, while others rely heavily on crowdsourced contributions. This presentation shares some of the coverage patterns that we identified when comparing Google Street View, Mapillary, and Telenav’s OpenStreetCam across a set of major world cities and a separate set of diverse-sized cities within Brazil. We use these results to inform a discussion about why “full coverage” of a street network is an elusive goal. We also examine cases where the data-collection vehicle stops and turns around and imagery is not pursued in particular locations. Finally, we discuss potential ethical questions surrounding the collection of images from every possible streetscape. Simon Ray-Cutter (raycuts@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Grey Wolves (Canis Lupus): History, Ecology, and Anthropogenic effects The focus of this research poster will be the history, ecology and future concerns of Grey Wolves (Canis Lupus). The range of Canis Lupus is confined to the northern hemisphere. Subspecies of the Grey Wolf can be found across both North America and Eurasia. (Rafferty, 2012) The Grey Wolf originated in Eurasia around 700,000 years ago and crossed into North America 500,000 years ago along the Bering Land Bridge which connected the two land masses during each ice age. (Wechworth, 2010) Each ice age brought a new wave of Grey Wolves from Eurasia while at the same time isolating existing populations to refugia. (Vilà, 2002) Grey Wolves are generalist carnivores and can be found in many different habitats including: desserts, boreal forests, dry plains, and the high arctic. A single wolf can disperse over 1000 km in their lifetime. (Leonard, 2014) The range of Grey Wolves once stretched from Northern Canada to Mexico but by the 1970s humans had eradicated most of the population leaving large groups in Northern Canada and Alaska. During this time attitudes toward wolves began to change from negative to positive and wolf conservation became important to the public. (Musiani, 2004) Today there are numerous Grey Wolf restoration efforts across North America, the most notable in Yellowstone National Park where wolves have had a drastic impact on the ecosystem. Charlie Ronan (ronanc@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Claytonia Sibirica [Poster] Claytonia sibirica, commonly known as Siberians Miner’s Lettuce is a short-lived perennial. Claytonia sibirica is a short and leafy plant, standing 10 - 40 cm tall and blooms white to pink flowers from April to July. Siberian Miner’s Lettuce is native to Siberia and western North America (WA, OR, CA, AL, ID, MT, BC). The plant is edible and has medicinal and hygiene uses, commonly used by native American tribes in the PNW. The plant is from the Montiaceae family, which first appeared in the world about 8-16 million years ago, although the evidence is circumstantial (Hershkovitz, 2019). The plant exists in moist and shady climates such as forests, near streams, and meadows. Nathan Roueche (rouechn@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Two decades of Western spruce budworm outbreaks in the Pacific Northwest [Poster] Insect outbreaks are one of the important natural disturbance processes in forested ecosystems due to their tendency to periodically restructure stand composition and provide dynamic fluctuation via trophic interactions. Multiple agencies across various jurisdictions collect annual forest health inventory data via aerial detection survey (ADS) mapping, allowing trends in forest disease and pest prevalence to be explored across both space and time. While these data sets are a powerful tool for research and management, the data is often recorded and stored in regionally differing formats and is not easily accessible to researchers or the public. The lack of cohesive broad-scale datasets prevents analysis of

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natural disturbance dynamics across ecological regions. This project combines ADS data from adjoined management regions spanning Washington, Oregon and British Columbia encompassing the time period between 1980 and 2000 focusing on Western spruce budworm (WSB) (Choristoneura occidentalis), a prolific and widespread defoliator of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). This compiled dataset will allow preliminary analysis of a natural process unbound by artificial boundaries and potentially provide new insights into WSB outbreak dynamics in the Pacific Northwest. Rachel Saunders (rs1@uw.edu), University of Washington Tacoma; Nina Kerr (ninak83@uw.edu), University of Washington Tacoma; Alicia De Jong (aadejong@uw.edu), University of Washington Tacoma; and Greg Mireles, University of Washington Tacoma. The Masters Map This project is an abstract take on map making, that explores a metaphorical and qualitative approach to cartography and visually representing the written word. Franco Moretti’s ideas on mapping books to visualize patterns and forms, that were otherwise invisible, inspired the idea of this mapping project. Within the current field of cartography, researchers are pushing the boundaries of what is and should be, addressing the invisible meanings and contexts associated with map making and visualization. This project explores the linkages and hidden meanings between lines of text to bring to light the visual, through the imaginative. By visualizing data, we can expose information that was left unrecognized to the naked eye (Eskin, 2018; Ridanpää, 2007; Moretti, 2005; Cloke et al., 1999). This is done by visually mapping imagination and exploring other ways to view what is and where it is. As a result, this can bring new ways of understanding and redefining concepts such as place, space, culture, and idea through visually mapping text. The data/text that we chose to map was the graduate handbook for the University of Washington Tacoma’s Maters of Science in Geospatial Technologies program. Using a process of imaginative sketch mapping we mapped our conceptual understanding of the master’s program onto a stylized representation of the terrain of Tacoma Washington, the site of our program. The product displays a cartographic representation of place, emotion, and experience through the eyes of the master’s students. Catherine Somerville (somervc@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Biogeography of the three-spined stickleback [Poster] My chosen topic is looking at the biogeography of the Three-spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). This species is anadromous, found in both salt and freshwater environments. It can be found at higher northern latitudes, along the coasts of Northern America and Europe. It is also found in various lakes and streams. Starting around 60 years ago, it has been observed outside of its native range. One fascinating feature of the Three-spined Stickleback is that depending on its location, it’s morphological traits can vary greatly from population to population. I want to explore how different traits of the stickleback manifest in different environments.

Abigail Thomas (arthomas406@gmail.com), Western Washington University. The North American Pika (Ochotona daurica) and its geographic shift with changing climates [Poster] I will be presenting a poster on the North American Pika (Ochotona) and its changing geographic distribution in regards to climate change. Pika are small rodents that are closely related to rabbits. There are 29 species of pika only two of which live in the Americas. Pika commonly lives in alpine regions, either in talus piles or small meadows. Pika’s territorial behavior results in an evenly distributed inhabitation pattern, that helps regulate competition. However, with changing climatic conditions pika’s habitats are shifting and so are they. The lack of availability to desired grasses is resulting in the shift of pika distribution spatially and temporally. Enhanced human activity in pika’s habitat has also been threatening their viability in those regions. In some cases, new habitats are being inhabited by pika such

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as lava flows in lower elevations, but many pikas are not able to subsist under the changing climatic conditions. Pika’s distribution has become more limited, and there is evidence for their declining numbers. It is being projected that with time pika will continue to face ecological stress that may result in their extinction, this is dangerous as they play a vital role in many alpine ecosystems. In this presentation, I will be looking at the spatial relationships specifically between the North American pika and climate change. Stephen G. Tsikalas (stsikalas@ewu.edu), Eastern Washington University; Najeda L. Patolo (npatolo@ewu.edu), Eastern Washington University; and Olivia Wiebe (oliviawiebe@eagles.ewu.edu), Eastern Washington University Wildfire Risk and Vulnerability in Spokane County Washington Presented here is an assessment of wildfire risk and social vulnerability for Spokane County, WA. We propose to first develop a comprehensive assessment of the local climate for a specific area. To observe changes in heat and moisture, we compare temperature normals and the PDSI drought index, specifically looking at the last 60 years of late-summer (July, August, and September) drought. Through statistical analysis, we compare two 30-year periods over a 60-year period (1959-1988 compared with 1989-2018) using a Mann-Whitney U test. Such fine-scale analysis provides specific information essential for planning purposes and resource management. Next, we apply this knowledge in risk management and mitigation by analyzing wildfire risk for census tracts showing populations with high social vulnerability. Spatial data of projected and observed wildfire outbreaks in Watershed Administrative Units (WAUs) within Spokane County define areas at increased risk for wildfire disaster (Washington DNR 2019). An overlay of wildfire and social vulnerability provides a spatial representation of areas within Spokane County at increased risk for wildfire events and possible prolonged recovery times. We suggest such areas at high-risk for wildfire, increased drought, and populations with moderate to high social vulnerability require especial attention in disaster management. Procedure for local-scale wildfire mitigation in the Inland Northwest does not always incorporate social vulnerability in risk assessment. This preliminary study explores methods for identifying potential locations of physical and socioeconomic vulnerability in the context of wildfire hazard.

Racquel West (racqwest@uw.edu), University of Washington Seattle A ‘Nurse Log’: How the Suquamish museum fosters hybrid landscapes [Paper] Hybrid landscapes are the colonial, regulated plots of land (like reservations), that Native peoples have adapted to ultimately create new senses of Indian self-hood, through their ability to survive and thrive, despite the colonial process that displaces them to those regulated lands. The vanishing Indian narrative is one example of the colonial violence enacted through those regulated spaces as Western institutions and discourses confine Native peoples to notions of the past and primitivity, to ultimately claim that they have vanished in the wake of modernity. And while Western museums have helped perpetuate the vanishing Indian narrative, tribal museums have combated this harmful narrative. This research is interested in how the Suquamish Museum, located on the Port Madison Indian Reservation has made, and continues to make, a difference for the Suquamish community and particularly analyzes the museum’s relationship to the reservation. I argue that, as an institution that has continued to adapt to the community’s needs, the Suquamish Museum has facilitated the construction and continued development of the reservation as a hybrid landscape through owned representation as a means of confronting the vanishing Indian narrative, thus perpetuating Native agency and sovereignty. This research is important because looking at the Suquamish tribe as its own entity, with their own representations, addresses the colonial violence that treats all Indigenous peoples as homogenous, unadaptable peoples from the “past,” ultimately highlighting their agency as place-makers.

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Harrison Winkel (winkelh@wwu.edu), Western Washington University Will Maple Syrup Disappear? A look at Acer saccharum Marshall [Poster] Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) is a common hardwood tree that grows throughout vast portions of eastern North America. Its modern range covers much of the eastern United States and the southern most part of Canada. Its extensive range is due to its ability to tolerate many different soil types but limited due to temperature, moisture and elevation controls. Historically, Acer saccharum Marshall was once part of a single species that spanned as far south as Central America during the Pleistocene period. However, due to the formation of multiple physical barriers, divergence occurred and many distinct sub-species, including Acer saccharum Marshall, formed as a result. Today, Acer saccharum Marshall is under threat due to rising temperatures and a decreasing winter snowpack that are the results of climate change. Subsequently, the controls that limit its range are shifting, changing where Acer saccharum Marshall. is able to grow and how fast. In addition, climate change also has many economical effects associated with the tree as the production of maple syrup, a product of the sap, is tied directly to spring time temperatures. Tori Wood (toribwood16@gmail.com), Western Washington University Biogeography of Larix occidentalis [Poster] Western Larch (Larix occidentalis) is a deciduous conifer that is endemic to Western North America. Larix occidentalis ranges from southeastern British Columbia to eastern Washington, western Montana, northern Oregon, and northern Idaho. Larix occidentalis is found in alpine and subalpine forests of North Western America and parts of Canada. It is s adapted to a wide range of temperatures and soil types, and has moderate to high resistance to strong winds. Larix occidentalis is intolerant of shade, yet very tolerant of fires. It relies on fires and other stand replacing disturbances for regeneration. Evidence of the Larix genus suggests a long evolutionary in the northern hemisphere. Fossil evidence from northern Canada dates back approximately 65 million years ago to the Eocene. Glaciation and the frequent summer rains that followed the glaciation period likely prevented Larix from moving into the Pacific Northwest. It is believed that Larix only moved into these regions in recent years as fires became more frequent. More frequent wildfires associated with climate change are predicted to create favorable conditions for Larix occidentalis. As temperatures rise, the range of Western Larch trees is expected to shift northward into Canada. It is expected to become an increasingly important pioneer species in the Pacific Northwest as fires increase in severity and frequency.

Thank you and see you at the AWG Spring Meeting next year!